Bombardier's virtual classroom

Bondholder Bombardier has inspired and motivated key worker children through a virtual classroom designed to test the way forward for remote learning.

Bombardier delivers several outreach programmes to schools across Derby and its ambassadors were keen not to let lockdown dampen their ongoing efforts to enthuse and inspire students at its partner schools.

It ran a successful pilot of the approach with employees’ children through an online ‘Bring Work to Your Child Day’ and developed the technique for the children who are still attending school.

Fourteen children of key workers, aged between eight and 12 years old, attending The Bemrose School had the opportunity to work with Bombardier’s science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassadors on interactive activities and quizzes, as well as talking to employees about careers.

They also learned first-hand about the rail industry, how the company designs and builds trains as well as hearing about the skills and attitudes needed for roles in the industry.

Nina Atwal, STEM leader at Bombardier, said: “The energy and enthusiasm shown by the students throughout the day was priceless, especially more so through this alternative way of learning which was new to them. And, as employees, we too learned a lot from the people of our future.

“Each of them enjoyed the interactions with us and being on camera, they were absolute stars and brought lots of smiles to us all in these challenging times. It was a pleasure for our STEM Ambassadors to bring this great initiative together for these students.

“The teachers did an excellent job of supporting us in the classroom whilst as a team of five we collectively ran the interactive sessions through Microsoft Teams from our homes, some excellent collaboration which clearly demonstrates the power of employers and schools working together – it does make a difference. Thank you, Bemrose School for allowing Bombardier to part of your school day!’’